Very sorry to hear that. I'm sure you're going to play again. Injuries suck and the worst parts are waiting for it to heal and wondering if it'll ever be normal. [I spent four months on crutches and actually wondered if I would be able to walk without them balance-wise!] Your doc will have the best advice on both. You should concentrate on doing what you can physically, eating well, getting enough rest. You may want to read up on your injury, rehab, strengthening, now for when the time comes for you to do it. Good luck to you. [an aside: our docs don't get the credit they deserve. all the hype about insignificant people like movie stars and then these people that fix our broken bodies don't get squat.]

Had the same thing happen to me 5y ago (1st ever game coaches against dads) and the other ankle at the end of october 2006. This was a more serious injury and like you I had a plate in. Had 6 weeks off work and sat at home with my leg up - not eating that much as no-one was at home and I couldn't move initially but still put 10lbs on in the first 6 weeks. After 4 weeks I managed to go to a course in Manchester for 4 days - interesting getting a buffet breakfast or a coffee with crutches you tend to spill a lot.
What did I learn.
Crutches are exhausting - I needed a rest after 50m at first.
Being injured is exhausting, I slept on and off in the day.
Bend it, straighten it as much as you can. I had a good range of movement by the time I was allowed to weight bear but it was still not good enough and it isn't now. From memory I was better than this last time.
Went back to work at 6 weeks (GP) and sitting with my leg down was very painful, I did mornings only initially and then slept in the afternoons.
Consultant said I could run on the roads after 12 weeks - it was more like 15 but I am now up to 6 miles - still hurts but i do it.
I found after 9/10 weeks that I would find I couldn't do something so would concentrate on that until it was ok and then work on the next problem.
I have now started pre pre season training and reckon that it should be almost back to normal (ish) by 9 months. Already doing jump squats with a 30kg power bag.
You will play rugby again but you need to push harder than the physio and work one problem at a time

You have to be patient. If your goal is to play competitively again, discuss realistic short-term goals with your doctor/physio. Don't be tempted by short-term gain, if it might set you back.

On the other hand, when you have permission to train fully/play don't allow yourself to be held back by fear. Recognise whether your fears are rational (because the doc says you are still vulnerable) or irrational (despite the fact that the doc says you are good to go) and challenge yourself to push through the irrational fear.

My iStadia profile: http://www.istadia.com/go/robrobson